The Woodlands County recreation department is hoping people will come out to the Blue Ridge Recreation Area on Saturday, July 26 for Family Fun Day, despite all that is going on in Whitecourt that weekend.

Woodlands County Economic Development Officer Heather Anderson realizes there is some stiff competition for people’s attention with the Whitecourt Hometown Heroes Air show taking place at the same time, but she hopes people make the effort to come to see what it has to offer.

“The air show goes on for two days, so we are hoping people will take some time to come to Blue Ridge and take in everything before taking in the air show,” Anderson said.

The Blue Ridge Recreation Area opened in August 2012 after being successfully reclaimed by Woodlands County, Alberta Transportation and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD).

“Last year was the first year we held Family Fun Day and it was such a success we decided to ramp it up a level this year,” Anderson said.

A number of different activities are planned for this year’s event from face painting, a scavenger hunt, and craft making, along with educational demonstrations from AESRD, including one on the identification of wildlife through what the animals leave behind.

“Last year it was the most popular station,” Anderson said. “An AESRD wildlife biologist taught people how to know what kind of animals are native to our area by identifying their scat or feces. The kids just loved it.”

Another station that will be at Family Fun Day is an aquatic life station put on by Cows and Fish: Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society.

“People will be able to learn how to identify the different plant and fish life through a see through tank,” Anderson said.

An addition to this year’s event will be a demonstration of Native dancing and drumming put on by the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation.

“One of the reasons why we wanted to do this is because we really wanted to celebrate and raise the awareness of the Native culture that is in Blue Ridge,” Anderson said.

Family Fun Day will be taking place on the north end of the Blue Ridge Recreation Area located on Highway 658 about 4 kilometres north of Blue Ridge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All the activities are free and refreshments pop, Italian ice and hotdogs will be provided.

“We are really excited about Family Fun Day and showcasing not only the Blue Ridge Recreation Area, but some of the nature opportunities that are available to residents,” Anderson said. “This year our [Woodlands County] tourism’s theme is ‘Bring it’ and that is what we want people to do, bring your positive attitude and get outside and enjoy everything nature has to offer.”